If a health food store and big box store had a child it would be called Sprouts.  This is a full service market that combines a fabulous produce department (about 40% of the store) with a natural food store’s selection of everything else at great prices.  What does that mean to the average shopper?  If your shopping list includes fresh produce,  organic cereal, whole wheat baguettes, eco friendly cleaning products, grass fed beef, and a teaspoon of rosemary this is the place for you.  With their low shelving, you can find everything you need quickly plus there are no mainstream brands to impede your search. This is for families who want more fresh and additive free food in their diet at the best prices.

While their organic produce section is still pretty small, organic products can be found everywhere else in the store.  Organic eggs, yogurt, and milk in the dairy case. Bottled organic juices, organic honey, and even organic breads under the Sprouts label on the shelves. They carry all the brands you would expect to see in any of the other health food chains however most of the prices are better and with weekly specials you can stock up when prices are really fantastic.  Especially on their own Sprouts brand of vitamins.

About that teaspoon of rosemary, I mentioned. This is something new for me, spices in bulk.  How many recipes do we pass up that have an unusual herb or use a bottle that has been there since we moved in? This is an opportunity to try out something new without wasting money.

Bulk buying is also possible for nuts, chips, and candies (better to buy a little then gorge on a lot).

Wednesday might be hump day to some people, for The Frugal Diva Wednesday is shop at Sprouts day since items from the previous weeks specials and the new specials are available. Twice the possibilities for savings!

Sprouts is proud to partner with Autism Speaks in creating a new Neighborhood Grant Program designed to fund local nonprofit organizations serving children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. As our company continues to grow, so does our ability to make an even greater impact in the neighborhoods we serve. From Feb. 27 to March 13, Sprouts shoppers can help this worthwhile program take root in their community by supporting our “Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece” fundraising campaign.

Sprouts Farmers Market CEO Doug Sanders knows the affects of autism firsthand; his 3-year-old son was diagnosed with autism in 2009. That’s when Sprouts saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the autism community through a partnership with Autism Speaks. Under Sanders’ leadership—backed by the support of Sprouts customers, team members and vendors—they have raised an incredible $2.2 million to fund programs that help bring autism awareness and support to local communities.

Another great reason to shop at Sprouts!

Eating at restaurants is inherently expensive however there are ways to whittle down the costs.  Restaurants.com is a big help in this area. They offer discounts in the form of prepurchased gift certificates. Now the most important part is to make sure this includes restaurants that you frequent or would like to try.  Read the restrictions which sometimes include minimum purchase prices and other fine print.

One of the best ways to use this site is for special occasions. You know you are going out for a birthday, anniversary, or to impress your new in-laws. Purchase a $50 gift certificate for $20 and save $30 off the price right away. Many places also offer a $100 gift certificate for $40 which knocks $60 off the bill.  Each restaurant has different rules so please check before you buy. Remember it only saves you money if you actually use the certificate and dining out is within your budget.

If you are in Los Angeles or New York or bi-coastal, try Blackboard Eats. Sign up for their newsletter and start partaking of their deals before they expire. No cost or obligation, just check out what they have to offer. Sometimes it’s a free tapas plate, sometimes a pre fixe dinner, or a global discount on your check. This is fun for interesting places that you might not venture into otherwise.  They cover the gamut from reasonable to high end trendy.

Families love the Entertainment Book , not only do they have many kid friendly restaurants, they also have tickets to a variety of attractions, fun activities like bowling, theater tickets, and exercise classes just to name a few. Right now they are offering two books for the price of $35. This makes a great gift for any family.

How to describe Tuesday Morning?

The most interesting yard sale in the world, going through the home of an eclectic shopper, or a surprise every time you shop. All of the above applies. There are not many places that have Chantal cookware, a pet stroller for your puppy, electric patio heater, and an iPod music system for your listening pleasure.  All at a sizable discount. They shop the world for discontinued brands, colors, and styles so that  you can wander among the goodies and find what you need.

This is truly treasure hunting. One time you might find a vortex heater, a telescope, and diamond earrings. The next time none of these however there would be a gorgeous rug, Calvin Klein dinnerware, and Top Flight golf clubs. They usually have selections in kitchenware, bed and bath, home furnishings, children’s toys, luggage, stationary and all manners of small gifts.

They are a 700 store national chain so check them out for unusual items you might not see at a discount any where else. You can also join the loyalty club for additional perks.

When they open on this Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 AM, they will have a women’s shoe blowout.  Major brands such as Guess, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole Reaction and my favorite Bearpaw for $29.99.

Repeat after me, “I will never pay for rush shipping.”  So start your  pre-shopping now.  What I mean by pre-shopping is making  a list, checking  it twice, finding out whose been naughty or nice.  Preparing in advance allows you to avoid last minute decisions and last minute expenses.  Map out birthdays, shower gifts, and all every other gift giving occasion now and be way ahead when the holidays roll around.

Of course we all have have our favorite stores bookmarked. This post is for sites that cover many categories.  For things you need, gifts that can be sent without going to the post office, and stocking up on useful items, online buying is the perfect solution.  However you don’t want to wade through hundreds of sites with bad interface and expired offers.

This first site is so good you might never leave fatwallet.com.  Coupons, user forums, and gateways to all the sites you need to save on everything  including travel. They even have cash back with designated merchants.  Best things first – they let you know which coupons are expiring, the search feature is user friendly, and you can find your favorite companies quickly. Cash back is the most intriguing since who doesn’t like to save and get money back. Of course the payoff is not immediate, however down the line after a waiting period and the vendor pays them, fatwallet.com will send you a check. This is an above and beyond savings. For food coupons and everyday items plus other great features, fatwallet.com is one of the Frugal Diva faves.

A great site for price comparison is pricegrabber.com. They have been around for awhile and pricegrabber.com not only reviews the products, you will also get hundreds and sometimes thousands of reviews on the merchants. This is very reassuring particularly on more pricey items such as computers and digital cameras.

Overstock.com is another great resource. You are buying directly from them and they have a feature that allows you to do an instant price check with another merchant.

Do your own quality checking among consumer reviews and there is always Consumer Reports (subscribe or read it at the library) which is excellent for significant purchases and any electrical appliance.

Thanksgiving and holidays are a wonderful time for cooking however The Frugal Diva works and wants to enjoy the day just as much as anyone. Why worry about a dry turkey?  Starting today, you can make the holidays a breeze by ordering one of the F & E yummy holiday boxes. Each box serves 8 people for between $50 -$65 including a main course, three sides, and a pumpkin pie.  Also, holiday products are beginning to make their way back into stores, so look out for your favorites! Chocolates anyone?

You can start this tradition by not cooking right now. Fresh & Easy has $10 dinners for two – choose an entree, choose a side, and choose a dessert.

With weather changes and the holiday season getting closer, Fresh & Easy has some great deals this week to help you stock up and be prepared if you do choose to cook.

· Jennie-O frozen turkeys, .47¢ per lb (with $30 additional purchase, limit 1)

· f&e chicken breast family pack, $1.99 per lb

· fresh&easy boneless beef New York steak, $4.94 per lb

· fresh&easy holiday cookies, 10 count pumpkin or ginger spice, $2.99

· fresh&easy pumpkin bread or gingerbread mix, 2 for $5

· fresh&easy broth, $1.99

· fresh&easy frozen vegetables, 2 for $3

Fall prices are the best for stocking up on wine. Try the Wine Wright selections at $7.99.

Remember to join the loyalty program so you can start accumulating points, getting recipes, and finding coupons delivered right to your email!

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy has sent The Frugal Diva samples, coupons, and gift cards plus her stepson works there as a buyer.

There are so many fantastic deals on the Vita Cost site I don’t know where to begin. Vitamins, shampoos, organic foods, protein powders, herbs, and homeopathy are just a few of the items covered.

Let’s start with organic products – 22 ounces of Organic Raw Honey for $6.35, 8 ounces of organic shredded coconut for $2.68, 12 ounces organic whole bean French Roast for $8.20, 16 ounces of Arrowhead Mills organic flax seed for $2.70!

Moving right along to shampoos- 11 ounces of Kiss My Face Whenever Shampoo for $4.19, 32 ounces of Avalon Nourishing Lavender Shampoo for $10.67,  18 ounces Nature’s Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo for $3.90!

Organic Agave sweetener 23.5 ounces for $6.53!

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent White Flower and Bergamot Citrus 7 lbs for $13.73!

And Aubreys, Alba Botanica, Burts Bees, Jason, Zia!

So many types of vitamins and herbs that you are going to have to see for yourself!

Now The Frugal Diva knows what you are thinking. What in the world is it going to cost to ship all this? $4.99 per order – that means if you get one item, two items, or ten items it will cost you $4.99 shipping. 

And as a diva it’s so nice to have things appear at your doorstep without having to schlep out to the store.

Just when I thought that everything had been done in the way of markets in comes a new kid on the block.  A little organic, a little convenience, a little gourmet grocery,  and a whole of savings.  There are so many wonderful Fresh & Easy products.  A bag of  frozen turkey meatballs this week for $5.99.  Add some tomato sauce, serve over pasta (99 cents this week), and open a bag of salad greens. That’s fresh, that’s easy.

Now if you want to get really, really easy and still stay really, really fresh.  We are talking about around $2.49 per person for lasagna with meat sauce to keep in your freezer. Cheaper then fast food and better for you.

Every week there are 98 cent produce packs.  Add a little excitement and use them in your cooking.  One week they had onions and red and green peppers. You can julienne slice them, saute, add some capers and olives. Set aside while you pan fry some tilapia and you have a nicoise style topping for your fish. Pick a pack of pears and pair with an interesting cheese for dessert. 

Yes I did say they are a little gourmet.  Pick up organic teas, fresh juices, fresh baked goods, wine (not at all stores), cheeses, balsamic vinegar along with fresh produce, fish, and meat on your way home.  And they have great sauces – Thai Chili Lime, Smokey Barbecue- and a good selection of spices.  Even pet food for your pooch.  So much good stuff in such a manageable size market.

You can also sign up for the email newsletter where you get weekly updates on specials and coupons. And please remember that all quoted prices are subject to change.

Smaller then a supermarket, more fresh food then a convenience store-this chain is a winner for the Frugal Diva.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy occasionally sends The Frugal Diva samples of their products.